Miscellaneous, Lyon Brook Bridge, 1870

The Lyon Brook Bridge

Chenango Union, May 11, 1870

 

The editor of the Oneida Dispatch has recently accompanied a party of sight-seers to the famous Lyon Brook Bridge of the Midland Railroad, and thus narrates his observations:  "By the courtesy of Supt. Day the train was permitted to stop in the center of the bridge, so that we could view it first from that elevated position, after which we had ample time to make a thorough exploration before the return of the train, which had proceeded on to Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and was to pick us up on its backward trip.  We clambered down the banks of Lyon Brook, where we found a small trout stream.  But over this chasm, nearly nine hundred feet in length, and one hundred and eighty feet from the water, was the celebrated structure, its iron network resembling more a horizontal cobweb than the firm, substantial work it is.  Its height cannot be appreciated by riding over it.  One must go down and look up to be conscious of its altitude.  This bridge is constructed on the purest scientific principles, so that every pound of iron used is put to the best possible advantage.  It has been described so many times that no elaborate account is needed.  We would therefore simply advise our readers not to miss a sight of it from the level of the water should opportunity afford.  We found the road smoother and in better running order than we had anticipated, as the melting of heavy snows and the rains have caused serious interruptions this spring to nearly all the roads.  Of course great inconvenience must be expected on new roads.  A few weeks more will see the work now in progress completed, and therefore smooth running from Oswego [Otsego Co., NY] to Oxford will be insured."